Monday, September 12, 2011

What a month away in India taught me

Yes, I am back from my almost four-week long trip to India. Many of you have emailed and asked me to share my experiences and pictures from the book launch and other events. I apologize for the delay. A few days after I returned from India, we headed to Minneapolis to attend my husband’s cousin’s wedding. Any excuse to meet with the family, catch up on chitchat, and dance like a rock star, is very high on my list.J

Anyway, the formal launch of “Perfectly Untraditional” was in New Delhi on August 5. Zig Ziglar said, “People who have good relationships at home are more effective in the marketplace.” On the day of the launch, family and friends showed up from all over the world. I am cognizant that we live in times where every second is important. But on August 5, many people put their lives on hold to celebrate my small achievement. My heart has carved out a special place for all of them.

I had always dreamed of sharing this momentous day with my dear ones. And I feel blessed that most of who mattered graced the occasion with their presence. And the ones who mattered but couldn’t make it in person, you know who you are, showed more than enough love and support throughout my journey in their own way. And I am fortunate to have you in my life.

Elizabeth Gilbert wrote, “Some days are meant to be counted, others are meant to be weighed.” How true! The room that evening was filled beyond capacity. Words, smiles, blessings, hugs, pictures, and autographs flooded the evening. An image I would like to carry to my grave. My parents sat in front, with their faces beaming. My mom said, “I am a celebrity’s mother.” My father sat in trance as he showed me his two thumbs up while my brother made sure everyone was seated comfortably. My dearest friend Jaya, who flew down from Kolkata for the launch, said, “Bhaiya is so hospitable—as if it is your wedding.” My husband, the man behind the camera, made sure each breath was captured forever. My uncle (Phupha) said, “Beta, it’s so nice to see how supportive Anudit is of your dream.” My aunts, uncles, and cousins extended their stalwart support. An uncle-in-law brought coworkers and stayed on to get his copy autographed despite his sick mother at home. My friends, old and new, embraced me for my madness. They brought their friends and sat with a “Sweta-flag” at the venue. My husband and very dear friend Pooja organized a cake to commemorate the occasion. The audience greeted a debut novelist, humbly yours, with such warm applause. It was a magical night where everyone present just added to my big day. When my brother asked me if the launch was everything I had imagined it to be, I said, “And much more, Bhaiya.”

Following the main event in New Delhi, I went away on a multi-city tour. There were readings, talks, event judging, meetings, interviews, and research work in Bangalore, Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata, Patna, Rajgir, Nalanda, Varanasi, and Delhi again. I was invited to give two talks at one of India’s leading and most prestigious universities: BHU. And I was requested to judge a debate in New Delhi at the high school where Shahrukh Khan studied. Yeah, I am definitely on cloud nine. Some of the review, interviews, and write-ups are available. If you’d like, you can read them here:

http://www.swetavikram.com/v2011/press.html OR

http://www.swetavikram.com/v2011/reviews.html

Pictures: https://picasaweb.google.com/106456114975338942689/LaunchOfPerfectlyUntraditionalVoyageThroughIndia?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCMS09uKd-ID0qQE&feat=directlink

Many cities meant newer experiences, meeting up with new and old friends, and catching up with family. Writers in different cities welcomed me warmly as they released my book. The list is endless as is my gratitude. Numerous other folks made time for my journey. Some called, some sent emails, some asked about the launch while others gave hugs and showered blessings. And few others showed up, in different cities, with big smiles or sent cakes and flowers. There are so many ways to be involved in someone’s happiness—my own book launch has taught me that. But more importantly, the voyage paved the path for both my emotional and mental evolution.

I feel like a different person after this trip. All the emotional turmoil and agony that I was dealing with right before I left has turned into vapor. I am so much at peace with myself. I can appreciate why philosophers and writers go looking for answers in India. It’s not a publicity stunt to sell tourism to foreigners. I might have found that pearl of wisdom and solace of mind that most others look for.

A friend of mine, who is a therapist, commented that I am au fait with the human psyche and see people a lot lucidly and deeply than most others. Well, I wish I could say I am gifted. But the truth is my profession trains me to grasp my world a certain way. As writers, we peel away superficial layers in every human being we meet and are able to see the “real self.” Combine that trait with a month long stay in India, and you have X-ray eyes + mind:-)

I wrote a book about relationships. And this past four weeks have taught me that we are nothing without them. The good ones bring us a sense of fulfillment and the bad ones lead us to appreciate the good relationships in our lives.

What is also true is the adage: “What you sow is what you reap.” People respond with love and support if you nurture your relationships. No one can be taken for granted. And in today’s world, every relationship, irrespective of age and gender, has to be treated with respect. That is if you want any iota of respect or affection in return. It is equally important to weed out or at least maintain distance with cold, mean, and nasty people. Sometimes, we forget that we have to set our own boundaries to avoid getting hurt.

I recently read a quote on my cousin’s Facebook profile while I was negotiating my feelings for certain people. An old man once said, “There comes a time in your life, when you walk away from all the drama and the people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh. Forget the bad, and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you right, pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living.”

Perhaps, that’s what’s happened to me. I feel healed after this India trip. I have come back with a clear understanding of who I am and what I mean to whom. No confusion or dissonance any longer. It’s such a magical feeling knowing where you stand in people’s lives—good or bad. And it’s even more humbling to know where you stand in your very own eyes.


More until next time,

Xoxo

Copyright © 09.12.2011

"How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours."~ Wayne Dyer

6 comments:

PS said...

Welcome back, Sweta! It seems you had an exciting and fulfilling trip!

C said...

Great JOB !! Congratulations ! Sooooo... proud of YOU !!!!!

Anonymous said...

I really enjoyed your blog, Sweta!!!!!!!!!

BCS said...

It is just beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Really enjoyed reading this bog. Very thought-provoking

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